Teething & Late Tooth Eruption in Maltese Puppies

Maltese puppies are well known for their delicate features, small mouths, and unique dental development. One area that often raises concern for new owners is teething, particularly when teeth appear later than expected. In many cases, late tooth eruption is normal in Maltese puppies and does not indicate a health problem.

Normal Teething Timeline in Maltese Puppies

Like all dogs, Maltese puppies develop two sets of teeth:

  • Deciduous (baby) teeth
  • Permanent (adult) teeth

Toy breeds such as Maltese can show more variation in timing than larger breeds, and it is not unusual for teeth to appear later.

Typical Maltese Teething Stages

  • 3–5 weeks: Baby teeth may begin to erupt (often later than some other breeds)
  • 6–8 weeks: Some puppies have visible teeth, while others may have very few or none yet
  • 8–12 weeks: Baby teeth continue emerging
  • 4–6 months: Adult teeth begin replacing baby teeth
  • 6–8 months: Most adult teeth are present

Important: Some Maltese puppies have delayed eruption and may not show teeth until after 8 weeks of age.

Late Tooth Eruption: Why It Happens

Late eruption can be common in toy breeds and may be related to normal variation, including:

  • Very small jaw size
  • Genetic traits common in toy breeds
  • Crowding of teeth within a small mouth
  • Normal developmental variation

Is It a Health Concern?

In a healthy, thriving puppy, late teething alone is typically not dangerous and does not automatically indicate a problem. As long as your puppy is:

  • Eating well
  • Gaining weight
  • Active and alert

then late tooth eruption is often considered a normal variation.

Maltese Puppies With Missing or Retained Teeth

Some Maltese dogs may:

  • Not erupt certain baby teeth
  • Retain baby teeth longer than usual
  • Develop adult teeth even when some baby teeth never erupted

Retained baby teeth can sometimes cause crowding or dental issues if adult teeth erupt alongside them. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended, especially during the 4–7 month stage when adult teeth are erupting.

Common Teething Signs

During teething, your Maltese puppy may experience:

  • Mild gum irritation
  • Increased chewing
  • Slight drooling
  • Temporary fussiness

How to Help Your Puppy

  • Provide puppy-safe chew toys
  • Avoid very hard chews that may damage small teeth
  • Feed a high-quality puppy diet
  • Keep up with routine vet checks

When to Consult a Vet

While late eruption alone can be normal, please consult your vet if you notice:

  • Your puppy stops eating or seems unwell
  • Swelling, discharge, bleeding, or a bad smell from the mouth
  • Adult teeth erupting while baby teeth remain firmly in place (retained baby teeth)
  • Signs of significant pain

Reassurance for Puppy Owners

Late teething does not automatically affect your puppy’s overall health or ability to thrive. Maltese puppies often develop on their own timeline, and dental development is one area where variation is common.

Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you are concerned about your puppy’s health or development, please consult your veterinarian.